Priorities

A clear path from enrollment to graduation.

1.

Every student deserves a clear pathway from where they are today to the future they want.

Whether students are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, looking to transfer to a four-year university, or obtain a specialized certification to expand their career prospects, ACC is an accessible and valuable bridge to the future they are seeking. Those pathways are not always obvious or easy to navigate. 

To boost enrollment and enhance the journey to and within ACC, we must:

  • Build stronger partnerships with Central Texas school districts and their college/career counselors;

  • Expand access to high school dual-credit programs;

  • Establish clearer transfer agreements with four-year universities;

  • Offer stackable credentials as students continue their education;

  • Develop partnerships with more employers and industries for paid student internships and apprenticeships based on workforce needs.

Helping students cross the finish line.

2.

Getting students through the door is not enough. We must help them cross the finish line.

ACC’s free tuition pilot program removes a significant barrier for many students who otherwise may not be able to access higher education. However, access without completion represents a hollow promise, and an unfinished job for ACC and its governing trustees.

Some students still leave ACC because of reasons outside the classroom: childcare falls through, the car breaks down, providing housing and food on the table takes precedence, and balancing school and work becomes increasingly challenging.

If we want more students to achieve going to, and complete going through, ACC, we must:

  1. Connect and coordinate with community resources and organizations to support students;

  2. Offer solutions for childcare and support for parent-students;

  3. Provide access to targeted mental health and wellness resources;

  4. Explore sources for emergency grants for students experiencing unforeseen issues;

  5. Deliver early, proactive, and tailored school, university transfer, and career advising based on each student’s unique interests and path, particularly for first-generation, returning, and parent-students;

  6. Offer flexible class schedules and high-quality online options

Responsible, student-centered governance.

3.

Effective governance requires a student-centered focus, careful stewardship of public investments, and close connection to the Central Texas community.

Governing an education institution in Texas is more challenging today than ever before. Budgets are tighter. Support from the state is inconsistent at best. Colleges are used as political fodder. Resources needed to support non-traditional students are scattered amongst organizations across Central Texas.

ACC’s 11 campuses serve more than 43,000 students and deliver billions of dollars in annual economic impact to our region. Balancing the needs of all students, the college, the campus communities, and the wider region requires trustees with a track record of successful governance, advocacy, and strategic community engagement.

We must:

  1. Ensure responsible stewardship of precious taxpayer investments;

  2. Be transparent in financial planning and budgeting;

  3. Be efficient and effective in management of facilities and campus resources;

  4. Evaluate effectiveness using clear and meaningful student performance, completion, and transfer measurements;

  5. Connect, engage, and build strong relationships with businesses, school districts, and community organizations;

  6. Partner closely with ACC administration, faculty, and students to address all stakeholder interests while holding leadership appropriately accountable for results.